Sex ratio improvement: Haryana suspends four doctors over monitoring and performance lapses

The Haryana government has suspended three senior medical officers and one medical officer, citing poor performance and failure to monitor sex ratio improvement measures. Orders issued by Additional Chief Secretary Health Sumita Misra list postings at CHCs in Sonipat, Yamunanagar, Rohtak, and Narnaul. Disciplinary proceedings have begun under Haryana Civil Services rules.

The Haryana government suspended four doctors onMonday over alleged weak work results. The action followed claims of poor oversight of steps meant to improve the state’s sex ratio. Additional Chief Secretary Health Sumita Misra issued the suspension orders. The government also began action for alleged lapses in monitoring and enforcement linked to sex ratio work.

Those suspended with immediate effect are Dr Tina Anand, senior medical officer SMO at Community Health Centre CHC Purkhas in Sonipat. The list also includes Dr Vijay Parmar, SMO at CHC Radaur in Yamunanagar. Dr Satpal, SMO at CHC Chiri in Rohtak, and Dr Prabha, Medical Officer at CHC Sehlang in Narnaul, were also suspended.

Haryana government sex ratio drive and disciplinary action

During the suspension period, the four officers will remain attached to Civil Surgeon offices. The order placed Dr Tina Anand with Rohtak. Dr Vijay Parmar was attached to Ambala. Dr Satpal was attached to Jhajjar, while Dr Prabha was attached to Rewari. The government said the move took effect immediately.

The order said disciplinary proceedings started under Rule 7 of the Haryana Civil Services Punishment and Appeal Rules, 2016. It stated that the action was for poor performance. It also cited failure to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of measures relating to improvement of sex ratio. The order linked the steps to field-level supervision duties.

Haryana government sex ratio campaign and enforcement measures

The suspensions came as Haryana intensified a statewide campaign to improve the sex ratio. The drive also targets illegal sex determination practices. Misra directed district health authorities to apply stricter enforcement. Misra also asked for stronger awareness work across all districts as part of the renewed effort.

Last week, Misra issued broad directions to Civil Surgeons across Haryana. Misra said that the Health Department is committed to ensuring effective implementation of the PC&PNDT Act and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy MTP Act to eliminate female foeticide and promote gender equality. The instructions connected enforcement with compliance checks and prevention work.

Misra directed all districts to increase raids and inspections against illegal sex determination activities. Misra also asked districts to strengthen surveillance systems. The aim was to spot and stop violations on the ground. The officer had emphasised that strict monitoring and swift action are essential to improving the sex ratio in the state.

With inputs from PTI